Report calls for more job training, Lamont picks former education secretary to lead study

Business leaders have raised concerns about the gap between available jobs and the skills students in Connecticut acquire in school. A new report, titled “Connecticut Workforce & Education Strategy Blueprint,” forecasts that half of the new jobs in the next five years will require only a high school diploma.

Key Findings

• Local schools have not adequately prepared students for careers in hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and other fields.
• The state needs more standardized job-training programs and classes offered by local school districts.
• Employers struggle to connect with students through job fairs and other methods, particularly in smaller districts.
• Connecticut is projected to see strong job growth through 2030, with half of those jobs not requiring a bachelor’s degree.

Proposed Solutions

Governor Ned Lamont has appointed Miguel Cardona, former state education commissioner and former U.S. education secretary, to lead a new Pathways Commission. The commission will develop recommendations to improve the transition from school to work, including:

• Expanding internships and dual enrollment opportunities.
• Supporting certificate programs for students who choose to enter the workforce after high school.
• Enhancing employer-student connections, especially in smaller districts.

Next Steps

The Pathways Commission is expected to begin meetings soon and will deliver a report of recommendations by the end of the year. Cardona emphasized the urgency of evolving education to ensure students are prepared with viable career options upon graduation.